Algeco UK provides distinctive modular building for GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® in Stevenage
Algeco UK has completed one of its most distinctive modular buildings for a UK client, having put the finishing touches to a two-floor GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® with retail and coffee outlet in a structure featuring four curved sides in Stevenage.
The modular building has been delivered by Algeco UK on behalf of GRIDSERVE, which required a modern building to sit alongside high-power electric vehicle chargers at Knebworth Estate, Stevenage, just off the A1 – a key location for high-volume EV users.
There is no shortage of available charging stations on the site, hosting 30 EV charging bays, including 24 High Power bays with up to 360kW of power – some of the fastest chargers publicly available today, capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.
The ground floor of the modular building offers 4,247 sq. ft. of space and features a grocery retail outlet and coffee shop to keep drivers busy while their vehicles are charging. There’s space for 30 vehicles, including two accessible spaces and two parent-and-child spaces.
Level two, with 4,236 sq. ft. of space, contains an EV experience area and airport-style lounge for customers.
Algeco UK is a leading provider of permanent modular buildings, temporary accommodation and shipping containers, delivering construction expertise to diverse sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, education, health, defence and justice.
GRIDSERVE is best known for opening the UK's first Electric Forecourt® in Braintree in 2020 and has since opened Electric Forecourts® in Norwich and London Gatwick Airport.
The structure created for GRIDSERVE in Stevenage is based on Algeco’s IBEX modular unit and was built at its Carnaby factory. However, this is the first of its type for any client, with all four sides being curved – a unique modular build innovation.
Paul Beard, Senior Design Manager for Algeco UK, explained that the curved sides of the building created new challenges, testing the tolerance of the steel used, before a solution was found to ensure it was as strong as the rest of the structure.
He said: “The curves to all four sides of the building pose many challenges with tolerances experienced while curving the hot-rolled frames at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees. The external cladding also has to be millimetre perfect to achieve the desired aesthetics.”
Julian Foster, Chief Operating Officer at GRIDSERVE said: “Being able to deliver reliable charging quickly and efficiently helps us on our mission to give drivers the confidence to switch to EV.
“However building an Electric Forecourt® is not just about infrastructure; it's about paving the way for a sustainable future. This project demonstrates our commitment to innovation, net zero energy, and a greener world for generations to come.”
